LONDON — Britain's Alfie Hewett made a commanding start to his Wimbledon title defence, dispatching Spain's Daniel Caverzaschi in just 54 minutes with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory on Court 14.
The world No. 1 in wheelchair tennis showcased his trademark precision and power, breaking Caverzaschi’s serve five times and conceding only two games in a match that underscored his status as the tournament favorite. Hewett, who won his maiden Wimbledon singles title last year, looked every bit the champion as he dictated play from the baseline.
A Flawless Start
Hewett wasted no time asserting his dominance, racing through the first set in just 22 minutes without dropping a game. His aggressive returns and relentless court coverage left Caverzaschi struggling to find rhythm. The Spaniard, ranked No. 8 in the world, managed only four points in the opening set.
"I wanted to come out strong and set the tone early," Hewett said in his post-match interview. "Daniel’s a tough competitor, so I knew I had to be sharp from the first point. I’m happy with how I executed my game plan."
Caverzaschi’s Brief Resistance
The second set saw Caverzaschi briefly rally, holding serve in the third game to avoid another bagel. However, Hewett quickly regained control, breaking in the fifth and seventh games before serving out the match with an unreturnable forehand.
Key factors in Hewett’s victory included:
- A first-serve percentage of 78%, allowing him to dictate points early
- Winning 12 of 14 net approaches
- Converting five of seven break-point opportunities
Looking Ahead
Hewett will face either Belgium’s Joachim Gérard or Japan’s Tokito Oda in the quarterfinals. A potential rematch of last year’s final against Oda looms if the Japanese star advances. Hewett holds a 4-2 head-to-head record against Oda, including their epic five-set battle at Wimbledon in 2023.
"Every match here is a new challenge," Hewett said. "I’ve got great memories from last year, but I’m focused on the present. The level keeps rising, so I have to keep improving."
Doubles Campaign Begins
Hewett will also compete in the men’s doubles alongside fellow Brit Gordon Reid, with whom he has won 18 Grand Slam titles. The top-seeded pair open against Argentina’s Gustavo Fernández and France’s Nicolas Peifer.
Reid, who lost his opening singles match, praised Hewett’s form: "Alfie’s playing some of his best tennis right now. When he’s this focused, he’s incredibly tough to beat."
A Historic Title Defence
Hewett is bidding to become the first British player to defend a Wimbledon wheelchair singles title since the event’s introduction in 2016. His victory last year marked a career Grand Slam, having previously won the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open.
With seven major singles titles and 25 total Grand Slam trophies (including doubles), the 26-year-old continues to build a legacy as one of Britain’s most decorated disabled athletes. His relentless work ethic and adaptability on grass make him a formidable opponent.
Caverzaschi, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Hewett’s superiority: "Alfie was just too good today. He didn’t give me any chances, and when he’s playing like that, there’s not much you can do."
Conclusion
Hewett’s emphatic start sends a clear message to the field: he remains the man to beat. As the tournament progresses, his blend of experience, tactical intelligence, and explosive shot-making will be key to navigating tougher challenges ahead.
Fans can catch Hewett’s next match on Thursday, with live coverage available on BBC Sport and the Wimbledon digital platforms. Should he advance, a potential semifinal clash with second seed Gustavo Fernández awaits.
For now, the defending champion can reflect on a job well done—a clinical performance that reaffirms his status at the pinnacle of wheelchair tennis.